Tests to take priority over Super Rugby in South Africa

Super Rugby in South Africa looks as if it will be sacrificed when rugby resumes with reports suggesting that the tests against Georgia and Scotland in July outranks it in order of importance.

A report by Liam Del Carme in the South African Heraldstates that the July Test matches against Scotland and Georgia outranks it in order of importance‚ while the Rugby Championship scheduled to start in August is of even greater importance.

“That is certainly how the broadcaster would want it‚” a well-placed source told the Herald.

“The Test matches would definitely take priority‚” he added.

The Springboks are set to play Scotland in a two match test series followed by a one-off Test against Georgia.

SA Rugby executives would prefer those matches to go ahead rather than Super Rugby but they are at greater risk of not being played due to the Tests involving international travel which will require different governments having to agree on various health and safety protocols.

SA Rugby does‚ however‚ have a bit of time on their side and can even move those fixtures back a month if a suitable Super Rugby playing schedule can be agreed upon by the Sanzaar alliance, the report says.

Although the Tests will take priority‚ the source said they may be moved to a later slot on the calendar as will the Rugby Championship which he described in monetary terms as “the cherry on the cake”.

While SA Rugby would hope for the tests against Scotland and Georgia to go ahead, there is talks from the North suggesting that the Six Nations' unions are in talks over a 'Second Six Nations' later in November with the thought that the Southern Hemisphere nations won't be able to tour to the North.